Low Impact Crash, Serious Shoulder Tear | Case Review with Ashley Clasen
Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law. sits down with attorney Ashley Clasen to break down a case that shows why you should never judge an injury by vehicle damage alone.
What Happened
The client, SH, was rear-ended in a low property damage accident.
At first glance, it didn’t look serious. But as we often see:
👉 Low damage does NOT mean low injury
The Injuries
Despite minimal visible damage, SH suffered:
- Multiple herniated discs in the neck
- A partial shoulder tear
- Ongoing pain requiring treatment
Her care included:
- Multiple neck injections across several levels
- Two injections in the shoulder
These are not minor injuries. They are painful, disruptive, and costly.
The Insurance Problem
This case highlights a major issue:
👉 Not enough insurance coverage
- At-fault driver policy: $30,000 (state minimum)
- Client’s policy: also minimum limits
- Total medical bills: ~$48,000
That means:
👉 There was not enough insurance to cover the full damage
The Strategy and Result
Since there was limited insurance, the real work happened on the back end.
Ashley and the team:
- Negotiated medical bills from $48,000 → $12,000
- Secured the policy limits settlement
- Helped the client walk away with over $8,000 in her pocket
The Outcome
The client:
- Was not fully recovered
- But avoided overwhelming medical debt
- Received funds to help with future care and life expenses
She was grateful for the result, given the limited insurance available.
Key Takeaway
👉 You cannot judge an injury by how the car looks
👉 And you cannot rely on minimum insurance to protect you
This case is a perfect example of both.
What We Learned
- Get medical bills in early to move faster
- Push policy limits quickly when coverage is low
- Negotiate aggressively with providers to protect the client
Most importantly:
👉 Always carry strong uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Final Thought
Even a “minor” crash can lead to:
- Serious injuries
- Long-term treatment
- Major financial stress
Having the right legal team and the right insurance can make all the difference.
You can request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
Or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
In pain? Call Shane.
📞 980-999-9999
